- Survive The Swarm joker relic: A wildcard relic that changes how your run plays out
- Where to find it: Purchased with depth tokens inside the Infinite Dungeon store
- Best use case: Runs where you want flexible, risk-reward relic synergies
- Key tip: Visit the store between waves, not mid-fight, to spend tokens safely
- Top strategy: Pair the Joker relic with weapon upgrades that scale off your relic count
What Is the Joker Relic in Survive The Swarm?
The Survive The Swarm joker relic is one of the wildcard-style relics players can pick up during a run. Unlike fixed-stat relics that always grant the same bonus, the Joker relic introduces an element of chance and adaptation — which is exactly why it divides the community. Some players build entire runs around it, while others avoid the unpredictability entirely.
Relics in Survive The Swarm function as persistent run modifiers. In similar wave-survival titles, relics are small collectible objects scattered across maps — for example, the Survive The Night wiki describes relics as glowing boxes found on most survival maps, roughly ten per map, that contribute to a collection sub-task. In Survive The Swarm, relics have evolved into a shop-based system tied to the Infinite Dungeon, which is where the Joker relic comes into play.
Video Highlights:
- The store inside the Infinite Dungeon accepts depth tokens as currency
- Weapons and items are offered on a randomized rotation
- Relic offerings can vary between visits, so check back often
- Tokens persist between store visits during a dungeon run
Depth tokens are the store's currency inside the Infinite Dungeon. Spend them on relics, weapons, and items — but remember the stock rotates, so a Joker relic you skip may not reappear soon.
Joker Relic Effects and Mechanics
The Joker relic's core identity is flexibility through randomness. Rather than boosting a single stat, it interacts with your overall relic setup, rewarding runs that stack multiple relics and adapt to whatever the game rolls. This makes it a natural centerpiece for "gamble" builds and a liability for players who need predictable numbers.
The table below compares how the Joker relic stacks up against other common relic archetypes you will see in the Infinite Dungeon store:
| Relic Type | Effect Style | Consistency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joker relic | Wildcard, interacts with full relic loadout | Low | Risk-reward builds |
| Flat stat relics | Fixed bonus to one stat | High | Beginners, safe scaling |
| Scaling relics | Grows stronger over a run | Medium | Long dungeon dives |
| On-kill relics | Triggers effects per enemy killed | Medium | Swarm-clearing builds |
| Economy relics | Extra tokens / discounts | High | Store-focused runs |
Aggressive Joker Build
- Stack multiple relics early
- Buy weapons from the store often
- Accept variance in outcomes
Safe Joker Build
- Pair Joker with flat-stat relics
- Lock in survivability first
- Treat Joker as a bonus, not a plan
Economy Joker Build
- Take token-generating relics first
- Fund frequent store visits
- Maximize relic count for Joker value
A Joker-centric build can produce a dominant run or a weak one depending on what the relic interactions roll. If you are pushing a high-depth personal record, consider a consistent relic core instead.
How to Get the Joker Relic: Step-by-Step
Getting your hands on the Joker relic requires reaching the Infinite Dungeon, accumulating depth tokens, and using the in-run store. Follow this sequence to maximize your chances:
Enter the Infinite Dungeon
Queue into the Infinite Dungeon mode. This is where depth tokens drop and where the in-run store becomes available.
Farm Depth Tokens
Clear waves and descend deeper. Deeper depths generally yield more tokens, so survive as long as possible before shopping.
Visit the Store Between Waves
When the store appears, check the relic section first. Stock rotates, and the Joker relic is not guaranteed to appear.
Purchase the Joker Relic
If it is in stock and your token balance allows, buy it. If not, keep clearing waves and revisit the store later in the run.
Build Around It
Spend remaining tokens on complementary relics and weapons that reward a high relic count.
Do not dump every token into weapons on your first store visit. Reserving a token buffer for relics — especially the Joker relic — keeps your build options open as the run deepens.
Best Strategies and Synergies
Joker Relic Synergy Table
| Synergy Partner | Why It Works | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Token/economy relics | Funds more store trips, more relics for Joker | ★★★★★ |
| On-kill weapon effects | Swarm density triggers effects constantly | ★★★★ |
| Scaling damage relics | Compounds with Joker's wildcard bonuses | ★★★★ |
| Flat defensive relics | Offsets the risk of unlucky Joker rolls | ★★★ |
| Movement speed items | Repositioning survives bad relic outcomes | ★★★ |
Token Spending Guide
| Situation | Recommended Spend | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Early run, low tokens | Save tokens | Store stock improves with depth |
| Joker relic in stock | Buy immediately | Rotation may remove it |
| Mid-run surplus | Weapons + one relic | Balance offense and build |
| Late run, deep depth | All-in on relics | Maximize Joker interaction count |
Most experienced players treat the Joker relic as a mid-run pickup rather than an opening gambit. By the time you have three or more relics, its expected value improves significantly.
Joker Relic Run Checklist:
- Reach the Infinite Dungeon and locate the store
- Bank at least one full wave of depth tokens before shopping
- Check the relic section on every store visit
- Secure the Joker relic when it appears in stock
- Build at least three complementary relics around it
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Joker relic do in Survive The Swarm?
The Joker relic is a wildcard relic that interacts with the rest of your relic loadout rather than granting one fixed bonus. Its value scales with how many relics you carry, making it strongest in relic-heavy Infinite Dungeon runs.
Q: Where can I find the Joker relic?
The Joker relic appears in the store inside the Infinite Dungeon, purchasable with depth tokens. Because store stock rotates on a random basis, it is not available every run — check the relic section on each visit.
Q: Is the Joker relic worth buying for beginners?
It can be, but beginners may prefer flat-stat relics for consistent results. The Joker relic rewards players who understand relic synergies and can adapt their weapon purchases to whatever the run provides.
Q: Can I get more than one Joker relic in a single run?
Store rotations are randomized, so duplicate relic offerings are possible in theory. However, most runs will see the Joker relic at most once or twice, so treat the first sighting as your main opportunity.